Since a first visit to Montreuil nearly 2 years ago links have been sought between the towns of Rye and Montreuil-sur-Mer, which is located 50 minutes drive south from Calais, near the coastal town of Le Touquet-sur-Plage. The towns share many similarities, one of which is an economy built around tourism and hospitality.
Back in April The Mermaid, with the contacts provided by Cllr Rebekah Gilbert, visited the Logis Hotel Les Hauts De Montreuil. It is very similar to The Mermaid, as it is situated at the heart of a citadel, of Montreuil, the same number of bedrooms (31) and has a fine dining restaurant, Le Patio. The initial visit in April led to a proposal for two chefs from The Mermaid to spend 2 days in their restaurant.
So on Thursday October 24 The Mermaid travelled over to Montreuil, and two of our young chefs spent 2 days in the kitchen of Le Patio Restaurant. It was a fantastic opportunity to discover different approaches and skills used in the preparation of food. Both the young chefs enjoyed the experience of the kitchen and exploring the town of Montreuil.
In January, two of the chefs from Le Patio Restaurant, plus the owners Olivier and Anne, will be making the return visit to The Mermaid to sample Rye hospitality and experience working in a 2 AA Rosette Restaurant.
Already plans are in place for 2 more of the young brigade of chefs at The Mermaid to visit Montreuil in Spring 2025.
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .